Leland+ Content Library

Personal Statement — University of Maryland School of Dentistry

An aspiring dental student's personal statement, covering her journey from family pressure to mentorship and global health outreach.

Your Dental School Application Timeline, Starting Freshman Year

A comprehensive guide for pre-dental students to plan their four years, from coursework and extracurriculars to a successful application.

Law School Week Kickoff [5/26/2026] (Recording)

Kick off your law school journey the right way: join us for an exclusive panel of law admissions experts who have been on both sides of the application process and know exactly what it takes to stand out. From crafting a compelling personal statement to navigating the LSAT and building your school list, they'll walk you through every stage with real, actionable advice you won't find anywhere else. This is the event that sets the tone for your entire application cycle, and you don't want to miss it.

Crafting a Resume That Wins Fletcher School Admissions

See the actual resume that got one student accepted into The Fletcher School at Tufts University.

AMA: Dental School Interviews [9/28/2026] (Recording)

Are you gearing up for dental school interviews and feeling a bit anxious? Join me, Ellen, for an insightful AMA session where we'll dive into the intricacies of dental school interviews. With my extensive experience as a former Assistant Dean at Fordham University and Columbia University, and as a member of the admissions committee at Columbia College of Dental Medicine, I've guided countless applicants through the interview process. This is your chance to ask questions and gain valuable insights to help you shine in your interviews. Space is limited, so be sure to RSVP and secure your spot!

AMA - Dental School Applications [7/9/2026] (Recording)

The 2026-27 AADSAS Application opened on May 12, and the first day to submit was June 2. WHere do you stand? Are youstillperfectingh tat application? Struggling with program materials and secondaries? Are you preparing to take the Kira exam? Join former Columbia University College of Dental Medicine Director of Admissions for an open Q&A on the basics. You ask, Ellen answers. Bring your questions!

Dental School: Interview Overview [7/14/2026] (Recording)

After this session, you will know how to walk into a dental school interview with a clear understanding of what evaluators are actually assessing. We will cover the most common interview formats used by dental programs, how to structure answers that demonstrate clinical awareness and genuine motivation, and what separates candidates who advance from those who stall at this stage. Attending live means you can bring your specific situation, whether it is a gap in your application or uncertainty about how to discuss a low GPA, and get a direct response rather than a general one. The coach works with dental school applicants regularly and will share the patterns they see across candidates who succeed, giving you a honest look at how this process is evaluated from the inside.

How To Get Into a Top Law School

In this event, I'll discuss how I strategized my law school applications, and how I was ultimately admitted to Yale, Harvard, and Stanford!

Start Now: Building an Excellent Law School Application

If you’re planning to apply to law school, the strongest applications start taking shape months before the deadline. This session is designed for future applicants who want to use the early timeline strategically—before essays, recommendations, and school lists become a last-minute scramble. You’ll learn how to start building a compelling application foundation, clarify the story your materials should tell, and prioritize the steps that matter most in the months leading up to submissions.

Anatomy of a Standout Dental School Personal Statement

Writing a dental school personal statement that actually sounds like you—while still hitting the themes admissions committees care about—is harder than most applicants expect. This session is for pre-dental students who want to understand what separates a compelling personal statement from one that reads like every other application. You'll leave knowing how to structure your narrative arc, how to weave in clinical experiences without listing them, and how to convey genuine motivation for dentistry in a way that feels specific rather than generic.

Grad School and Fellowships Applications--Steps to Success!

This high level overview of the grad school and fellowships application process helps potential applicants understand how to get started, differences between graduate program and fellowships applications, how to organize the process, what to know about personal statements and essays, how to identify recommenders, and financial considerations.

Great Alternatives to the US for Grad School

For many applicants, top graduate programs outside the United States offer world-class education, strong career outcomes, and more accessible pathways to admission and visas. This session explores leading international destinations for grad school, how their application processes differ from the US, and what to consider when evaluating cost, career mobility, and long-term goals. You’ll leave with a clearer view of global options and practical guidance for building a competitive international application strategy.

How to Build a Successful Law School Application

A successful law school application takes more than strong numbers—it requires strategy, storytelling, and smart planning. This session is designed to help you understand how to build a complete, compelling law school application. In this event, you’ll learn how to strengthen each component of your application, from academics and test scores to personal statements and recommendations. We’ll also cover common mistakes to avoid and how to position yourself effectively in a competitive applicant pool. Whether you’re just getting started or refining your materials, you’ll leave with clear guidance and greater confidence.

Securing Excellent Recommendations for Your Law School Application

Strong letters of recommendation can significantly strengthen your law school application—but only if they’re done right. This session is designed to help you secure thoughtful, compelling recommendations that support your candidacy. In this event, you’ll learn who to ask for recommendations, how to approach potential recommenders, and how to provide them with the right materials and guidance. We’ll also cover timing, common mistakes to avoid, and how admissions committees evaluate recommendation letters. Whether you’re early in the process or finalizing your application, you’ll leave with clear next steps and greater confidence in your recommendations.

From Meh to Memorable: Law School Personal Statements

A strong law school personal statement can be the difference between blending in and standing out. In this session, top Leland coach and Harvard Law alum Dylan M. will break down what separates forgettable essays from memorable ones and why many applicants miss the mark. You’ll learn how to craft a clear narrative, highlight your motivations for law, and avoid common pitfalls that weaken otherwise strong applications.

Your Path from Law School to Big Law

Breaking into Big Law takes more than strong grades—it requires strategy, timing, and a clear understanding of how the recruiting process really works. In this workshop, Teddy U.—a legal professional who has worked across multiple major markets and top Big Law firms—will share insider insights on how to navigate recruiting and land your ideal position. ​Drawing on his experience successfully recruiting in four metro markets, Teddy will walk you through how to identify the right firms for you, prepare for interviews, and manage the often-overwhelming on-campus and market recruiting processes. Whether your goal is to secure your first Big Law offer or make a strategic lateral move, this session will give you actionable guidance to chart your path with clarity and confidence.

Am I Ready to Apply to Grad School?

​Applying to graduate school is a big step—and knowing when you’re truly ready can make all the difference. In this workshop, Kelly B.—a former Stanford admissions officer with experience reviewing thousands of applications across disciplines—will help you evaluate your readiness, strengthen your application strategy, and understand what admissions committees are really looking for. ​Whether you’re still exploring programs or preparing to hit submit, Kelly will share insider insights and practical tools to assess where you are in the process, highlight your unique strengths, and position yourself as a strong candidate.

Graduate School Admissions Week (September 15-18) Kickoff

Join us for Leland's Graduate School Admissions Week (September 15–18) Kickoff! Come hear from top admissions experts coaches Tom N., Krysta F., and Amy G. who have helped candidates gain acceptance to their dream master's programs. ​You’re invited to a week of actionable insights and preparation strategies designed to help you craft a standout application and position yourself for success in the admissions process.

How To Write Outstanding Law School Application Essays

​​Your law school application essays are arguably the most important aspect of your law school applications. To have the best outcomes and plenty of options at the end of the process, you need to craft compelling essays with solid narratives that paint a picture beyond your numbers. ​​Join Indrani S., former Stanford Law School Admissions Officer, for this session focusing on topics such as different essay prompts and how best to tackle them, why it makes sense to have two 'main' essays instead of just one, and the dreaded 'why' essays.

Asking a Professor for a Law School Recommendation

A brief guide on how to ask a professor you haven't spoke to in a while for a letter of recommendation to law school.